OTRW: Checking in on Georgia's Class of 2027

The high school season is well underway with many of the top teams having squared off with each other. The OTRW staff have been in the gym to watch and document the top players and performances. This week we look at the top players in the class of 2027 in Georgia. We also glance at their national rankings and public recruitment.

C’India Dennis – Creekside High School

Unfortunately, Dennis’ season ended early with an ACL tear after an early season match-up with Sandy Creek. Dennis looked to be in top form as she scored 43 points in that November game. She is a consensus top 50 player nationally and was on a trajectory to become one of the five best players at her position in the nation. As it stands, we will have to wait another year to see Dennis on the court again.

Current ESPN Ranking: No. 34

Kie’Aundria ‘KJ’ Acree – Monroe-Albany High School

Acree is one of the more intriguing prospects in the state given her athleticism and versatility. She has the Tornadoes blowing past the competition this season with an 8-0 record. Their closest game came versus Valdosta in the second game of the year, but every game since then has been a double-digit victory, often by 20 points or more. She earned an offer from Penn State to close out the month of July. She is poised to become a key recruiting target for schools around the nation this spring and summer.

Current ESPN Ranking: No. 39

Check her highlights from this season:

London Smith – Newton High School

Smith has the Rams off to a fast start with a 6-1 record. Their only blemish was a ten-point loss to North Paulding at the Hoops4Hunger Showcase. Smith is in top form as a confident ball handler and dynamic playmaker. She reported offers this fall from Hofstra, Elon, Gardner Webb, and St. John’s.

Currently unranked by national recruiting services.

Her highlights from Sandy’s Spiel Showcase last weekend:

Finley Parker – River Ridge High School

Parker is readymade for the collegiate game. She is a hybrid forward capable of scoring with her back to the basket or stretching the floor with her jumper. Her size, footwork and coachability make her a favorite amongst college coaches currently. Her 26 points and 17 rebounds at the Hawks Naismith Tipoff Classic was one of the notable performances of the year. She visited the University of Michigan unofficially and picked up an offer while on campus at the beginning of this month.

Current ESPN Ranking: No. 53

Her highlights from the Hawks Naismith Tipoff Classic

Nakhai Worthy – Holy Innocents Episcopal School

Worthy is a trending prospect in the state. She received an offer from Duke University at the end of November. Her abilities are unique given her size and versatility. She is built like a frontline forward while also possessing the agility of a wing. While also capable of leading the break as a primary handler. After early season setbacks, the Lady Bears reeled off five straight wins to bring their season record to 5-3. They are sure to be a force in Class 4A.

Current ESPN Ranking: No. 41

Aila Courtenay – St. Francis School

The Knights sit with a 5-3 record early this season. Their losses have been against some of the best in the nation. Their most recent defeat was a narrow 2-point loss to No. 3 nationally ranked Bullis High School (MD). Courtenay has been at the heart of what the Knights are putting together this season. She is anchor for coach Aisha Kennedy as a rebounder, defender, and go-to scorer in the paint. The 6-foot-3 post has the attention of some of the top programs in the nation. She visited Stanford and Wake Forest unofficially last month.

Current ESPN Ranking: No. 52

Giaunni Rogers – St. Francis School

Rogers is a player whose profile is on the rise. She played for FBC United 17U last summer as an underclassman. She recently surpassed the 1,000-point scoring mark with the Knights. She also reported offers from Florida State and Florida amongst others this summer. She is arguably the top shooter in the state in the junior class. Armed with a quick trigger and the ability to get her shot off accurately, Rogers will be in recruiting conversations over the next seven to eight months.

Currently unranked by national recruiting services.

Nimah Ibidunni – Alexander High School

Ibidunni is one of the state’s top frontline players. She is a 6-foot-2 forward with spring in her legs. She can spurt past defenders with a quick first step and outjump them in traffic. She is reportedly averaging better than 22 points nine games into this season. She picked up an offer from Wake Forest at the beginning of December.

Current ESPN Ranking: No. 60

Jonathan Hemingway has been a National Evaluator for On the Radar Hoops since 2013. He has been involved in the basketball community since 1995 as a coach, camp director, and evaluator. You can reach him at CoachHemi@gmail.com and follow him on X @CoachHemi.